Christianity appears to be the Hydra... there are so many interpretations of the vague scriptures, plus figuring out what is literal/figurative, what was meant for only the person to whom Jesus was speaking (or the churches to which Paul was writing) versus what is meant as an answer to that person but applied to everyone, and of course which of the violent remnants of the OT we plan to cherry-pick for the modern age. I mean, did he mean I can handle actual snakes, or not? Then of course, there are the extra-Biblical traditions of the various churches, such as the goat-hoofed, forked-tailed, pitchfork-carrying Devil... or worshiping on Sundays instead of the actual Sabbath.
And on it goes, until every single Christian with whom you argue can tell you that you're the one who's failing to understand Christianity.
I've been trying to avoid commenting thus far, but I have to jump in here because Won2blv is starting to piss me off.
1) No, they're NOT saying Jesus made it an absolute rule.
2) They're saying it might be a way Jesus was showing everyone is a part of the path to heaven.
3) If you believe the Jesus stories, then it is irrational not to increase your chances of doing what Jesus wanted, and therefore getting yourself into heaven, by following this one thing he wanted (and all the other things).
It doesn't matter, for the purposes of this discussion, if it actually increases your chances, or if that's what the verse actually means. So you're arguing about nothing!
Stop. Think.
And on it goes, until every single Christian with whom you argue can tell you that you're the one who's failing to understand Christianity.
I've been trying to avoid commenting thus far, but I have to jump in here because Won2blv is starting to piss me off.
1) No, they're NOT saying Jesus made it an absolute rule.
2) They're saying it might be a way Jesus was showing everyone is a part of the path to heaven.
3) If you believe the Jesus stories, then it is irrational not to increase your chances of doing what Jesus wanted, and therefore getting yourself into heaven, by following this one thing he wanted (and all the other things).
It doesn't matter, for the purposes of this discussion, if it actually increases your chances, or if that's what the verse actually means. So you're arguing about nothing!
Stop. Think.
A Christian told me: if you were saved you cant lose your salvation. you're sealed with the Holy Ghost
I replied: Can I refuse? Because I find the entire concept of vicarious blood sacrifice atonement to be morally abhorrent, the concept of holding flawed creatures permanently accountable for social misbehaviors and thought crimes to be morally abhorrent, and the concept of calling something "free" when it comes with the strings of subjugation and obedience perhaps the most morally abhorrent of all... and that's without even going into the history of justifying genocide, slavery, rape, misogyny, religious intolerance, and suppression of free speech which has been attributed by your own scriptures to your deity. I want a refund. I would burn happily rather than serve the monster you profess to love.
I replied: Can I refuse? Because I find the entire concept of vicarious blood sacrifice atonement to be morally abhorrent, the concept of holding flawed creatures permanently accountable for social misbehaviors and thought crimes to be morally abhorrent, and the concept of calling something "free" when it comes with the strings of subjugation and obedience perhaps the most morally abhorrent of all... and that's without even going into the history of justifying genocide, slavery, rape, misogyny, religious intolerance, and suppression of free speech which has been attributed by your own scriptures to your deity. I want a refund. I would burn happily rather than serve the monster you profess to love.
